A plate was placed in front of her, bringing her thoughts back to the table, and she began to eat with a shaking hand. Unsteady and unsure, she did her best to participate in the conversation, biding her time for the right moment. She waited until a lull hit the table. Araxia sipped her tea, and Kip studied the documents that had been delivered to him.

Sapphire cleared her throat.

‘I need to talk to you both,’ she said. She shied away from their gazes. Her voice was much louder than she had intended it to be. There was obvious worry in their eyes, and Sapphire offered a smile to reassure them.

‘I think I’ve been doing well lately, wouldn’t you agree?’ Sapphire asked.

They both nodded, their postures relaxing at her question.

‘Your progress has been impressive, yes. But why do you ask?’ Kip placed his documents on the table as he spoke.

‘Well,’ she said, taking a deep, steadying breath. ‘I would like Evera to stay the night.’

‘Are you asking to have a sleepover?’

‘I – yes. I am. I would like to have a sleepover.’

As so often, Araxia and Kip exchanged a look of understanding before moving forward. The queen reached out for her hand.

‘Of course you can have a sleepover. I do hope you understand that you are not a prisoner in this castle. It is your home and we want you to be comfortable.’ Araxia smiled at her and Sapphire tried to mirror the warmth the woman exuded but failed.

Her cold indifference to those around her had been forged by the life she had lived, those she had watched leave, the time she had lost, and the constant uncertainty.

Sapphire could never truly afford to offer warmth to all those around her. Self-preservation always prevailed. It was always needed.

And even now, she could not force herself.

Sapphire faked an illness to get out of training early in the hope of arriving at the library before Evera could leave. She burst through the door and a few scholars jumped as she shattered the tranquil silence, but she didn’t care.

‘Evera.’

The girl turned to meet her gaze and she didn’t miss the look of dread her friend wore.

‘Sapphire? How can I help you?’

Sapphire was suddenly nervous. Surely her desperation was pathetic? ‘A sleepover.’ Evera looked confused. ‘I am inviting you to stay the night at the castle. Tomorrow. Please.’

Evera placed the book in her hand back on the shelf.

‘I’d need to double check that my mother doesn’t need help with my sisters.’

‘Of course. Just send a note to my room tomorrow to let me know.’ Sapphire bounced on her toes, feeling hopeful but Evera simply nodded and returned her attention to the shelf. A few suffocating, silent moments passed before Evera cleared her throat.